Volunteering at the West Manchester Township Fire Department is a family affair for Micki Rife. She joined as a junior firefighter in 1983, following in the footsteps of her father and uncle, who have been volunteers for over 55 years and remain active to this day. Her familial ties to the department expanded throughout her 40 years of service, as she met her husband, a fellow volunteer, at the firehouse.
“He was a firefighter at Lincolnway Fire Company and I was a member at Shiloh Fire Company before the merger. Our marriage kind of started the merger between the two fire companies,” said Rife. “My son was only two weeks old when he went to his first fire company meeting, and now he is a firefighter and paramedic in Carroll County, Maryland.”
When asked what her favorite part is about being a volunteer, Rife identifies the camaraderie amongst the volunteers and being able to help the community. For women interested in becoming volunteer firefighters like Rife, she encourages them to join, and to not let anything stand in their way.
“If it is something that you want to do, don’t let gender hold you back. When I started, I was not a typical firefighter. I was a five-foot-tall girl when I joined, but I was able to do it. It never occurred to me that I couldn’t be a firefighter because I was a woman,” said Rife.
Whether you are interested in fighting fires or assisting at community events, the West Manchester Township Fire Department has a role for you. No experience is required to join, and training and gear are provided for free. Learn more at www.WestManchesterFirefighter.org